Copyright ghanamma
The General Overseer of the Eternal Life Church, Bishop E.O. Ansah, has asserted that the primary challenge in combating illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, stems from the direct involvement of some of the very officials responsible for fighting the menace. Bishop Ansah claimed that certain individuals in positions of authority — tasked with addressing the menace that has destroyed water bodies, ravaged forest reserves, and led to significant public health issues — are financially benefiting from the activity and therefore have no intention of bringing it to an end. He made these remarks on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Eternal Life Church on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Describing galamsey as a complex and formidable challenge, Bishop Ansah warned that the nation would be unable to prevail without decisively pursuing these top officials. He stated, “Galamsey is something that is a bit dicey because I do subscribe to the assertion that the same power brokers who must stop it most of them are in it, and that is what is making the waters so muddy. Many of these individuals get their money from gold.” The Bishop argued that the fight against galamsey will not succeed until there is a national consensus that the current activities pose a grave threat to human life, the environment, and the security of the state. When asked if he supports the declaration of a State of Emergency against illegal mining, he stressed his endorsement, saying: “I do, so that together we can put a stop to this thing and live in a safe environment.” Bishop Ansah further commended the current administration’s decision to introduce the Gold Board as a positive measure but ultimately called on authorities to implement comprehensive and rigorous strategies to eliminate all illegal mining operations.
